With spring break approaching and then summer not too far behind, newly-separated or divorced parents may be dreading spending time away from their kids while they’re off making memories with their other parent. Vacations make up some of our best memories — both as children and then as parents. How can co-parents work to help ensure that vacations continue to be special for their kids and to let both parents share in vacation adventures, even when they aren’t present?
Parents should always encourage their kids to communicate with the mom or dad who isn’t there and share the highlights of their day. Posting pictures on Facebook and Instagram are fine, but they should feel free to text, call and video chat with their other parent as well to maintain personal communication.
The parent who’s not on the trip needs to remember not to express sadness or jealousy that they aren’t with their kids. The non-present parent should always encourage kids to enjoy their time with their mom or dad.
You may want to encourage kids to keep a journal of their vacation. Some co-parenting apps have shared journals that can be used by parents and kids. This is a great way for kids to remember the highlights of their vacation for themselves and share them with their parent who wasn’t along.
Even if your co-parent isn’t as generous as you are about letting your kids share their vacation adventures, you can feel better knowing that what you’re doing is helping your children. Eventually, your co-parent may begin to reciprocate.
Vacation custody can be challenging in the early months and even years after a couple’s break-up. If you believe that you need to seek changes to your original parenting plan to help ensure that vacation planning goes more smoothly, your Rhode Island family law attorney can provide important guidance and support.
Source: Our Family Wizard, “Vacations After Divorce: 3 Tips for Sharing Memories with Your Co-Parent,” accessed Feb. 28, 2018
